Putting up a roof is a huge project, particularly since certain roofs are made to last throughout the life of a home. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in those little extras that could make your roof more functional and also more attractive. The advantage of such extras is that they can be installed later on if you don't have the money to install them when the roof is being installed. This article highlights three of these extras and how they'll be useful to you.

1. Snow guards

A snow guard is attached onto your roof's edge to prevent snow/ice slides. In winter, your roof may accumulate huge amounts of snow/ice, and when it starts melting, large pieces often fall off the roof, which could cause injury or damage to property. Snow guards prevent these pieces from falling until they melt off completely. They can be installed on any roof and can be made of plastic, polycarbonate, composite material or metal, just like your roof. You can choose a material that will render the guards practically invisible. Consider snow guards if you live in very cold regions.

2. Ridge vents

A ridge vent is a continuous vent strip installed at the peak of your roof, and it will be different depending on your roof type. Ridge vents are installed to offer steady cooling throughout your roof deck. They are installed end-to-end on the peak to allow warm, damp air to escape from the attic, which helps prevent the growth of mildew or mould in the attic. A ridge vent is also great for improving energy efficiency, especially during the summer. Vents should be installed by roofing specialists to ensure they have adequate space also are evenly distributed to provide equal airflow for the entire roof.

3. Drip edges

Drip edges are often disregarded by both homeowners and contractors, but they're important in keeping a roof in proper working condition. A drip edge is typically installed along the eaves of a roof to push water away from the house and protect the underlying wood and your home from roof leaks. Drip edges also help reduce movement between the deck and fascia board and give the roof a more 'polished' look, particularly for shingled and asphalt roofs. Drip edges are best installed during the initial laying of the roof, but they can be added later, although this will attract higher labour costs. Talk to a specialised contractor about drip edge installation, since there are strict building codes to be followed; it isn't a project you can handle on your own.